The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) began construction June 21 on a new rail station designed to directly connect the Metro system to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The $898.6-million Airport Metro Connector Project (AMC) is the ninth station along the almost-completed Crenshaw/LAX Line and will connect directly with the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Automated People Mover project presently being built.

“Everyone traveling to or from LAX should have access to modern, reliable public transportation that gets them to their destination on time,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. “The Airport Metro Connector is a historic step toward reimagining how travelers experience our airport — a turning point that will be a source of jobs and economic growth, reduce congestion, and help our airport realize its potential as a world-class gateway to Los Angeles.”

The new AMC station, which will be located at Aviation and 96th Street, will include:

• Platforms to access Metro light rail trains.

• A 16-bay bus plaza that will serve Metro and other municipal bus operators, including Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Culver City Bus, Torrance Transit, GTrans (Gardena), and Beach Cities Transit.

• A bike hub, private vehicle drop-off zone, and easy access to the LAX people mover.

• A new Metro customer service center.

• Interactive information kiosks, public restrooms, and commercial space for tenants who will provide passenger conveniences.

The rail station portion of the project will contain two light rail platforms that can be accessed via escalators and elevators, new ADA compliant swing door faregates to allow for smooth passage with luggage, and a full roof covering over the entire platform.

The project has been designed to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating with sustainable features that include 550,000-plus kilowatts of solar panels, large native landscaping areas, and electric bus charging stations.

“This is an exciting project that will serve as the ‘Gateway’ to LAX for future generations — just as LAX has long served as the gateway to Southern California for so many millions of people,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “The AMC station will also provide multiple connections to the Metro system and will help airport-area employees and travelers easily get to wherever they need to go in our region.”

The LAWA Automated People Mover project is expected to be complete in 2023, and the AMC project is forecast to be completed in 2024.